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Markets facing rising regulation costs

NZ Newswire 28/10/2016

Market stallholders could be forced to shut down because of rising food safety regulation costs, New Zealand First says.

Leader Winston Peters fears markets around New Zealand could shrink with some stallholders in areas like Northland facing fees up to $2000.

"If vendors have to pay hundreds of dollars for compliance many will pack up, as they are just trying to provide some local character to the market, something encouraged in provincial towns overseas," he said.

"The fee is the same for full-time producers and food retailers as it is for individuals selling at a market for four hours a week. That will be the same in towns all over the country."